Dyslexia
Dyslexia
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it difficult to read, spell, write and/or pronounce words.
Dyslexia can be genetic, which means that people who are born with it might have parents or grandparents who have it, too.
What are some of the signs and symptoms associated with dyslexia?
Accidentally reversing numbers or letters
Difficulty learning words and how they sound
Trouble memorizing number facts like multiplication tables and phone numbers
Reading slowly, especially when out loud
Difficulty finishing tests and assignments within time limits
Trouble spelling or writing
Difficulty learning a foreign language
Trouble remembering the right names for things
Difficulty copying notes from the chalkboard or a book
Trouble playing sports
Confusing left and right
Depression and feeling unmotivated in school or other activities
How is dyslexia diagnosed?
The first step in making an accurate diagnosis would be a visit with your primary care physician. He/she would evaluate several things to determine if there are any medical illnesses present.
Once medical illnesses have been ruled out, a meeting with a school psychologist or a reputable professional who specializes in dyslexia testing, would be arranged.
How is dyslexia treated?
People with dyslexia often meet with an academic tutor who specializes in working with people with dyslexia so that things can be taught in a way that is more understandable.
People with dyslexia will also be taught ways to function more easily in the classroom (such as by using flashcards or tape recording class lectures rather than taking notes) and will benefit from things such as having extra time on tests.
Dyslexia is not treated with medication, but sometimes people with dyslexia have trouble concentrating and paying attention. These symptoms can be treated with medication. Your primary care physician or reputable child and adolescent psychiatrist would be able to assess if this would be beneficial.
Because of struggles and challenges people with dyslexia can feel in school, sometimes people with dyslexia end up dealing with various degrees of depression and/or low self-esteem. People experiencing these symptoms should discuss it with a trusted adult such as a parent, school counselor, or private therapist.
Resources:
Find resources on the Decoding Dyslexia – NJ website.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.
If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888-247-1400.
